Freshen up your home’s exterior

Published 11:16 am Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Planter boxes are a great way to brighten up your home's exterior.

As any homeowner knows, renovation projects tend to cost a lot of money. However, the average home renovation cost is difficult to gauge. Such endeavors run the gamut from complex projects like a kitchen overhaul to simpler ones like painting a room inside a home. Indeed, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry notes that scope drives a renovation project’s cost.

Though there might not be an “average cost” of a renovation project, homeowners can expect to spend thousands of dollars on projects that are not very small in scale. Navigating such an expense when inflation remains high might be difficult for some homeowners looking to maintain the appearance of their home exteriors. However, there are many budget-friendly ways homeowners can tend to the exterior of their properties.

Power washing

Power washing won’t break the bank but can revive a home’s look. Power washing removes dirt and grime from the siding of a home, and power washing can be used to clean porches, walkways and patios as well. Hardware chains like Home Depot and Lowes typically rent power washers, but homeowners who don’t want to do it themselves can hire a professional for a few hundred dollars, if not less. Power washing after winter can be a good idea, as the elements can affect a home’s exterior. A good power washing before spring and summer entertaining season can thus give a home a fresh, clean look without breaking the bank.

Furnished front porch

A furnished front porch can serve as a welcome sign to neighbors and provide a great place to relax with a morning cup of coffee and a good book. Homeowners with a small porch won’t need to bust their budgets to upgrade their front porch furnishings. Some small chairs with bright cushions, a small table, and a rug underfoot can revamp an entryway at a low cost.

Window box installation

Installing window box planters is another cost-effective way to brighten a home’s exterior. Homeowners can hang window boxes outside windows on the front of their homes and then fill them with brightly colored flowers to add an inviting pop of color to their home exteriors. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens urge homeowners to consider weight before buying window planters. Keep in mind that soil and developed plants can be heavy, so look for a sturdy box and one with drainage holes.

Replace hardware

Another simple way to freshen up a stale exterior is to replace hardware. Door knobs, knockers, house numbers, and even the mailbox can appear dated after a while. Replacing these items is inexpensive and quick but can profoundly impact how a home’s exterior appears to residents and visitors.

Exterior renovations need not break the bank. Various simple and inexpensive tweaks can quickly revitalize the exterior of a home.